The GLL Literary Foundation is an organisation, operated by charitable Social Enterprise GLL, that has been established to support authors to continue to write, share stories, and inspire young readers.
Having worked with a number of authors over our 12 years of managing public libraries, GLL have learnt that the path to becoming an established author does not end when the first book is published, and achieving the levels of success required to sustain a full-time literary career is not guaranteed. Being a children's author is more than writing; it requires authors to be able to deliver public events, engage with young readers, and inspire them. On top of this, they must become business owners, understand their brand, and learn to market themselves. This can be a daunting prospect for authors at the beginning of their career.
Becoming an author is competitive, and promotional budgets vary. Through our work in libraries, GLL is aware of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the reading material provided for children and young people. We understand that representation is important and that reading levels improve when children can see themselves in the books they read. We also know that engagement with reading increases upon being able to meet and engage with authors.
Becoming an author is competitive, and promotional budgets vary. Through our work in libraries, GLL is aware of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the reading material provided for children and young people. We understand that representation is important and that reading levels improve when children can see themselves in the books they read. We also know that engagement with reading increases upon being able to meet and engage with authors.
As the largest public library operator in the UK, GLL recognises that we are uniquely positioned to support the success of early-career authors by bridging the gap in author training and experience in the areas where we deliver public library services. In 2024 the GLL Literary Foundation was founded to combine the knowledge, expertise, and support of our team of librarians, event managers, our Start Up Programme, and our 100+ libraries.
We exist to:
- support local authors to develop the skills and knowledge that will allow them to reach their full potential,
- encourage greater promotion of diverse and inclusive texts,
- provide children and young people with the opportunity to be inspired to read and write by seeing local authors succeed,
- support publishers of all sizes to promote authors,
- connect local authors and publishers to the libraries at the heart of their communities.
Our Authors
Greenwich
Learn more about the authors we support in Greenwich.
Luan Goldie
Luan Goldie is a novelist, short story writer and teacher from London. Her books for children, Oops, I Kidnapped a Pharaoh! and Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher (Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2025) are set within the world of K-pop and aimed at middle grade readers. Luan's novels for adults include Women’s Prize for Fiction nominated Nightingale Point and These Streets. A former primary school teacher, Luan now runs creative writing workshops for teenagers and adults.
Luan Goldie is a novelist, short story writer and teacher from London. Her books for children, Oops, I Kidnapped a Pharaoh! and Skylar and the K-pop Headteacher (Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2025) are set within the world of K-pop and aimed at middle grade readers. Luan's novels for adults include Women’s Prize for Fiction nominated Nightingale Point and These Streets. A former primary school teacher, Luan now runs creative writing workshops for teenagers and adults.
Lisa Williamson
Lisa Williamson's bestselling debut novel The Art of Being Normal, written from the perspective of a transgender teenager was inspired by her time working at the Gender Identity Development Service, won the Waterstones Children’s Book Award 2016 (older fiction). Lisa has written four further novels for young adults, including The Summer After the Night Before (publishing May 2026), several non-fiction titles for younger readers, and the Bigg School series about navigating life in year 7.
When not writing, Lisa loves sharing her love of reading and writing, and working part-time for a performing arts charity in Southeast London. She lives in Greenwich with her family.
Lisa Williamson's bestselling debut novel The Art of Being Normal, written from the perspective of a transgender teenager was inspired by her time working at the Gender Identity Development Service, won the Waterstones Children’s Book Award 2016 (older fiction). Lisa has written four further novels for young adults, including The Summer After the Night Before (publishing May 2026), several non-fiction titles for younger readers, and the Bigg School series about navigating life in year 7.
When not writing, Lisa loves sharing her love of reading and writing, and working part-time for a performing arts charity in Southeast London. She lives in Greenwich with her family.
Auriol Bishop
Auriol Bishop grew up climbing trees and reading books — sometimes both at the same time — and worked for many years in book publishing before becoming an author herself. A Greenwich resident for over twenty years, she helped to found the Greenwich Book Festival and co-wrote three books with her children’s creative writing group at Ottie and the Bea in Blackheath. Auriol is author of two non-fiction titles celebrating the natural wonders of Christmas, and this year Dorling Kindersley will publish her debut fiction title for children: The Bear Who Loved the Moon.
Auriol Bishop grew up climbing trees and reading books — sometimes both at the same time — and worked for many years in book publishing before becoming an author herself. A Greenwich resident for over twenty years, she helped to found the Greenwich Book Festival and co-wrote three books with her children’s creative writing group at Ottie and the Bea in Blackheath. Auriol is author of two non-fiction titles celebrating the natural wonders of Christmas, and this year Dorling Kindersley will publish her debut fiction title for children: The Bear Who Loved the Moon.
Nicola Kent
Nicola Kent is an award-winning author and illustrator of books for young children. These include novelty board books for babies, picture books, non-fiction, and her highly illustrated early chapter book series, Cat and Dumpling, which is specially designed for newly independent readers.
Nicola lives in Hackney with her family, dog and cat and a very untidy desk. She is passionate about creating warm, kind, humorous books for small children to share with their grown ups, or explore on their own.
Nicola Kent is an award-winning author and illustrator of books for young children. These include novelty board books for babies, picture books, non-fiction, and her highly illustrated early chapter book series, Cat and Dumpling, which is specially designed for newly independent readers.
Nicola lives in Hackney with her family, dog and cat and a very untidy desk. She is passionate about creating warm, kind, humorous books for small children to share with their grown ups, or explore on their own.
Clare Harlow
Clare is a graduate of the MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. She has lived in Greenwich for over a decade, and her ‘Tidemagic’ books are heavily inspired by locations around the borough. Tidemagic: The Many Faces of Ista Flit won The Week Junior Breakthrough Book Award and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. The sequel, Tidemagic: Ista Flit and the Impossible Key, is out now.
Clare is a graduate of the MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. She has lived in Greenwich for over a decade, and her ‘Tidemagic’ books are heavily inspired by locations around the borough. Tidemagic: The Many Faces of Ista Flit won The Week Junior Breakthrough Book Award and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. The sequel, Tidemagic: Ista Flit and the Impossible Key, is out now.
Hannah Moffatt
Hannah has always loved two things: writing and silliness. As a child, you could mostly find her scribbling poems or giggling at comedies, like Mr Bean, on TV. As a grown-up, Hannah puts all that silliness into her stories. When she’s not working on books, you’ll find Hannah writing surprisingly sensible things for businesses at creative agency, Definition. And in the rare moments when she’s not writing, you’ll probably spot her strolling and daydreaming in Greenwich Park.
Hannah has always loved two things: writing and silliness. As a child, you could mostly find her scribbling poems or giggling at comedies, like Mr Bean, on TV. As a grown-up, Hannah puts all that silliness into her stories. When she’s not working on books, you’ll find Hannah writing surprisingly sensible things for businesses at creative agency, Definition. And in the rare moments when she’s not writing, you’ll probably spot her strolling and daydreaming in Greenwich Park.
Janelle McCurdy
Janelle is an author and fully-fledged gamer. Janelle began writing middle-grade fantasy in her teens, signing a three-book deal for the Umbra Tales series in her early twenties. Her FAB Prize winning story, Mia and the Lightcasters, has been short and longlisted for major awards including the Week Junior Book Awards, Branford Boase Award, Diverse Book Awards and Jhalak Prize. In her free time, you can find her gaming and watching anime or attending numerous comic cons and gaming events.
Janelle is an author and fully-fledged gamer. Janelle began writing middle-grade fantasy in her teens, signing a three-book deal for the Umbra Tales series in her early twenties. Her FAB Prize winning story, Mia and the Lightcasters, has been short and longlisted for major awards including the Week Junior Book Awards, Branford Boase Award, Diverse Book Awards and Jhalak Prize. In her free time, you can find her gaming and watching anime or attending numerous comic cons and gaming events.
Mama G
Everyone's favourite pantomime dame, and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Mama G has been starring in panto for almost twenty years. She started telling stories about being who you want and loving who you are in 2018 and is regular visitor to our Libraries.Towards the end of 2024 Mama G's first picture book Oh Yes I Am! was published. It explores the power of panto and self-belief, and is a love letter to one of the UK's most unique and traditional art forms.
Everyone's favourite pantomime dame, and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Mama G has been starring in panto for almost twenty years. She started telling stories about being who you want and loving who you are in 2018 and is regular visitor to our Libraries.Towards the end of 2024 Mama G's first picture book Oh Yes I Am! was published. It explores the power of panto and self-belief, and is a love letter to one of the UK's most unique and traditional art forms.
Sherada Keats
Sharada grew up in Australia and Canada, with parents from Guyana and Yorkshire – influences that still shape her writing. Sharada loves poetry, nature, reading, writing, electricity, hot running water, petrichor, a certain degree of cliché, and circumstances that ensure young people can enjoy basic human rights, be nurtured, and grow old happily and healthily. She feels strongly that people of all ages deserve a wider variety of stories and storytellers.
Sharada grew up in Australia and Canada, with parents from Guyana and Yorkshire – influences that still shape her writing. Sharada loves poetry, nature, reading, writing, electricity, hot running water, petrichor, a certain degree of cliché, and circumstances that ensure young people can enjoy basic human rights, be nurtured, and grow old happily and healthily. She feels strongly that people of all ages deserve a wider variety of stories and storytellers.
Bromley
Learn more about the authors we support in Bromley.
Penny Chrimes
Penny Chrimes had a long career in journalism before writing books for children. Her books are set in past worlds of magical realism with characters full of courage and determination, often with a talking animal companion. Penny has written five middle grade books including Tiger Heart, The Dragon and Her Boy, and Hero the Highway Girl, and picture books and titles for young readers including Bumposaurus, Elephant's Don't Do Ballet, and Flabby Tabby. Penny grew up on the Wirral, but now lives in Bromley and her favourite pastime, apart from writing with a cosy cat on her knee, is reading to her grandchildren and introducing a new generation to the magic that books hold.
Penny Chrimes had a long career in journalism before writing books for children. Her books are set in past worlds of magical realism with characters full of courage and determination, often with a talking animal companion. Penny has written five middle grade books including Tiger Heart, The Dragon and Her Boy, and Hero the Highway Girl, and picture books and titles for young readers including Bumposaurus, Elephant's Don't Do Ballet, and Flabby Tabby. Penny grew up on the Wirral, but now lives in Bromley and her favourite pastime, apart from writing with a cosy cat on her knee, is reading to her grandchildren and introducing a new generation to the magic that books hold.
Truly Johnston
Truly Johnston is from London and is of mixed heritage Sri Lankan & English. Her debut novel, The Shell Keepers won the Bath Children’s Novel Award 2022, and was published through Chicken House Books in June 2025. Through her writing she likes to explore our connections, to each other and the world around us, and uncover magic in the mundane.
Truly has a degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge and has worked extensively in the charity and public sectors. As well as children's literature she writes poetry and songs and spent many years performing music outside of work. Her poetry has been published in anthologies and online. Truly lives in South East London with her husband, young daughter and three lovely chickens.
Truly Johnston is from London and is of mixed heritage Sri Lankan & English. Her debut novel, The Shell Keepers won the Bath Children’s Novel Award 2022, and was published through Chicken House Books in June 2025. Through her writing she likes to explore our connections, to each other and the world around us, and uncover magic in the mundane.
Truly has a degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge and has worked extensively in the charity and public sectors. As well as children's literature she writes poetry and songs and spent many years performing music outside of work. Her poetry has been published in anthologies and online. Truly lives in South East London with her husband, young daughter and three lovely chickens.
Ryan Crawford
Ryan Crawford is an author, life coach and game designer, born and raised in South London. Ryan is always on the lookout for new ways to bring the fun, imagination, and diversity of sci-fi and fantasy to the kids’ books genre, but his not-so-secret goal is to add a little giggle to everyone’s day. His latest work, Cosmic Cadets, is a dazzling new middle-grade science fiction series for young readers. Through his writing, Ryan explores themes of friendship, courage, and embracing the unknown, featuring characters who are delightfully out of their depth but determined to succeed.
Beyond writing, Ryan is a dedicated advocate for children's literacy and creativity, encouraging young readers to create their own fictional worlds and stories.
Ryan Crawford is an author, life coach and game designer, born and raised in South London. Ryan is always on the lookout for new ways to bring the fun, imagination, and diversity of sci-fi and fantasy to the kids’ books genre, but his not-so-secret goal is to add a little giggle to everyone’s day. His latest work, Cosmic Cadets, is a dazzling new middle-grade science fiction series for young readers. Through his writing, Ryan explores themes of friendship, courage, and embracing the unknown, featuring characters who are delightfully out of their depth but determined to succeed.
Beyond writing, Ryan is a dedicated advocate for children's literacy and creativity, encouraging young readers to create their own fictional worlds and stories.
Abiola Bello
Abiola Bello is the Nigerian-British author of the award-winning middle grade fantasy series Emily Knight, chapter book series Wild Magic, and YA novels Love in Winter Wonderland, Only for the Holidays, and The Love Dare. Abiola contributed to The Super Sunny Murder Club and the number 1 bestseller The Very Merry Murder Club, and has also co-written with footballer Marcus Rashford MBE for the Breakfast Club Adventures.
Abiola's books have been nominated for the CILIP’s Carnegie Award, named BookTrust Book of the Day, and Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month. Abiola won The Black British Business Awards 2023 for Arts and Media and The London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards 2018. She is the co- founder of Hashtag Press, and The Diverse Book Awards.
Abiola Bello is the Nigerian-British author of the award-winning middle grade fantasy series Emily Knight, chapter book series Wild Magic, and YA novels Love in Winter Wonderland, Only for the Holidays, and The Love Dare. Abiola contributed to The Super Sunny Murder Club and the number 1 bestseller The Very Merry Murder Club, and has also co-written with footballer Marcus Rashford MBE for the Breakfast Club Adventures.
Abiola's books have been nominated for the CILIP’s Carnegie Award, named BookTrust Book of the Day, and Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month. Abiola won The Black British Business Awards 2023 for Arts and Media and The London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards 2018. She is the co- founder of Hashtag Press, and The Diverse Book Awards.
Vanessa Taylor
Venessa Taylor is a bestselling children’s author, former teacher, and passionate literacy advocate. She is the creator of the much-loved Baller Boys series that celebrate grassroots football, friendship, loyalty and resilience through a diverse cast of relatable young characters. Venessa writes stories that centre children who do not always see themselves reflected in books, making reading accessible and exciting for reluctant readers, particularly boys and children from underrepresented communities. As a Black British female author and educator, Venessa is committed to widening access to books and ensuring that every child feels seen, valued and capable of greatness. She lives in London with her family.
Venessa Taylor is a bestselling children’s author, former teacher, and passionate literacy advocate. She is the creator of the much-loved Baller Boys series that celebrate grassroots football, friendship, loyalty and resilience through a diverse cast of relatable young characters. Venessa writes stories that centre children who do not always see themselves reflected in books, making reading accessible and exciting for reluctant readers, particularly boys and children from underrepresented communities. As a Black British female author and educator, Venessa is committed to widening access to books and ensuring that every child feels seen, valued and capable of greatness. She lives in London with her family.
Adelola Sokunbi
Adeola Sokunbi is a writer-illustrator from London. She is an obsessive doodler and lover of fantasy stories who also writes her own graphic novels. Adeola works for an animation company as a Studio Senior Lighting & Compositing Artist when she is not writing.
Adeola Sokunbi is a writer-illustrator from London. She is an obsessive doodler and lover of fantasy stories who also writes her own graphic novels. Adeola works for an animation company as a Studio Senior Lighting & Compositing Artist when she is not writing.
Marcela Ferreira
Marcela was born in Rio de Janeiro and moved to London as a teenager. Being bilingual means a joyful interest in tongue twisting stories, as well as how country and culture affect the tales we tell. Unsurprisingly, her stories tend to focus on friendship, growth, change and being yourself - though funny ones are her favourite.
Marcela was born in Rio de Janeiro and moved to London as a teenager. Being bilingual means a joyful interest in tongue twisting stories, as well as how country and culture affect the tales we tell. Unsurprisingly, her stories tend to focus on friendship, growth, change and being yourself - though funny ones are her favourite.
Alex Falase-Koya
Alex has been reading and writing since he was a teenager. His debut novel ‘Marv and the Mega Robot’ was inspired after Alex struggled to find superheroes in fiction who looked like him. By creating Marv, a superhero whose strengths are kindness and imagination, Alex hopes to have created a character to whom all children can relate.
Alex has been reading and writing since he was a teenager. His debut novel ‘Marv and the Mega Robot’ was inspired after Alex struggled to find superheroes in fiction who looked like him. By creating Marv, a superhero whose strengths are kindness and imagination, Alex hopes to have created a character to whom all children can relate.
Alom Shaha
Alom Shaha is a father of two, author, and science teacher who has dedicated his career to sharing his passion for science and education. Before focusing on teaching and writing, Alom worked in television, where he wrote, produced, and directed programmes on topics ranging from Tudor history to particle physics. When not writing, Alom teaches part-time at a comprehensive school in London
Alom Shaha is a father of two, author, and science teacher who has dedicated his career to sharing his passion for science and education. Before focusing on teaching and writing, Alom worked in television, where he wrote, produced, and directed programmes on topics ranging from Tudor history to particle physics. When not writing, Alom teaches part-time at a comprehensive school in London
Lincolnshire
Learn more about the authors we support in Lincolnshire.
Cheryl Diane Parkinson
Dr Cheryl Diane Parkinson's debut children's book, Last Girl In was long listed for the Branford Boase and Little Rebel Awards in 2024. Cheryl was born in East London to British Caribbean parents and has lived in Westmorland Jamaica and St Elizabeth’s Blue Mountains before settling in Lincolnshire. As a writer, she is concerned with representation and seeks to create characters that others would like to read about. A teacher of English language and Literature for over 20 years, Cheryl won the United Kingdom Literary Association (UKLA) Brenda Eastward Award for Diversity and Inclusion (2025) in her writing, teaching and lecturing.
Dr Cheryl Diane Parkinson's debut children's book, Last Girl In was long listed for the Branford Boase and Little Rebel Awards in 2024. Cheryl was born in East London to British Caribbean parents and has lived in Westmorland Jamaica and St Elizabeth’s Blue Mountains before settling in Lincolnshire. As a writer, she is concerned with representation and seeks to create characters that others would like to read about. A teacher of English language and Literature for over 20 years, Cheryl won the United Kingdom Literary Association (UKLA) Brenda Eastward Award for Diversity and Inclusion (2025) in her writing, teaching and lecturing.
Anne Miller
Anne Miller is the author of the forthcoming Monster Diaries series, hilarious retellings of greek myths from the perspective of the monsters, and Mickey and the Animal Spies. Her stories feature crazy capers and colourful characters and are sure to make you giggle. Anne has been a QI Elf (writer/researcher for BBC2's QI) for over 15 years, has written scripts for QI, produced their Radio 4 programme The Museum of Curiosity and co-wrote their bestselling series of QI Fact Books. She is also the second-most frequent guest on the No Such Thing as a Fish podcast, reached the semi-finals of Only Connect and has two Blue Peter badges. Image © Clare Coe Photography
Anne Miller is the author of the forthcoming Monster Diaries series, hilarious retellings of greek myths from the perspective of the monsters, and Mickey and the Animal Spies. Her stories feature crazy capers and colourful characters and are sure to make you giggle. Anne has been a QI Elf (writer/researcher for BBC2's QI) for over 15 years, has written scripts for QI, produced their Radio 4 programme The Museum of Curiosity and co-wrote their bestselling series of QI Fact Books. She is also the second-most frequent guest on the No Such Thing as a Fish podcast, reached the semi-finals of Only Connect and has two Blue Peter badges. Image © Clare Coe Photography
Bethany Walker
Bethany Walker is the author of funny picture books and chapter books. Before becoming a children’s writer, she was a teacher and then a museum educator, working in some very weird and wonderful places. Bethany grew up in North Lincolnshire and now lives close-by in Lincolnshire with her husband, two children and a rapidly increasing number of stick insects.
Bethany Walker is the author of funny picture books and chapter books. Before becoming a children’s writer, she was a teacher and then a museum educator, working in some very weird and wonderful places. Bethany grew up in North Lincolnshire and now lives close-by in Lincolnshire with her husband, two children and a rapidly increasing number of stick insects.
Mary Auld
Mary Auld is the pen name of Rachel Cooke, who lives on the Nottinghamshire/Lincolnshire border. Mary was for many years an editor and publisher of children’s non-fiction books but now focuses on writing rather than editing. She finds art in science, history in music, loves looking at things in pieces – and starting something small and following it through to something really big. In 2020, in association with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), she wrote How to Build an Orchestra which won the Presto Music Award for children’s books.
Mary Auld is the pen name of Rachel Cooke, who lives on the Nottinghamshire/Lincolnshire border. Mary was for many years an editor and publisher of children’s non-fiction books but now focuses on writing rather than editing. She finds art in science, history in music, loves looking at things in pieces – and starting something small and following it through to something really big. In 2020, in association with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), she wrote How to Build an Orchestra which won the Presto Music Award for children’s books.
Helen Hancocks
Helen is an author-illustrator based in Lincoln. Her first picture book ‘Penguin in Peril’ was the UK’s best-selling debut picture book of 2013, and she has been delighting readers with her vibrant & witty work ever since. Her work often features cats and cake two of her favourite things. She is also the founder of the picture book shop Shelf Editions & picture book review magazine SHELF.
Helen is an author-illustrator based in Lincoln. Her first picture book ‘Penguin in Peril’ was the UK’s best-selling debut picture book of 2013, and she has been delighting readers with her vibrant & witty work ever since. Her work often features cats and cake two of her favourite things. She is also the founder of the picture book shop Shelf Editions & picture book review magazine SHELF.
Wandsworth
Learn more about the authors we support in Wandsworth.
Ramzee
RAMZEE (Ramsey Hassan) is an author-illustrator based in London. He has written comic books for 2000ad and Marvel and designs and runs his own comics and illustration workshops. He was nominated for a British Comics Award in 2016, won the Second Prize in the Faber Children's FAB Prize in 2017, was selected to take part in the Vaults Festival New Writers Programme in 2019 and recently was chosen for the BBC's London Voices Writer's Room Programme. The Cheat Book is his debut title and the first in a new illustrated series.
RAMZEE (Ramsey Hassan) is an author-illustrator based in London. He has written comic books for 2000ad and Marvel and designs and runs his own comics and illustration workshops. He was nominated for a British Comics Award in 2016, won the Second Prize in the Faber Children's FAB Prize in 2017, was selected to take part in the Vaults Festival New Writers Programme in 2019 and recently was chosen for the BBC's London Voices Writer's Room Programme. The Cheat Book is his debut title and the first in a new illustrated series.
Jane Porter
Jane Porter is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator. Her titles include The Girl who Noticed Everything, Let's Get Ready for School, and So You Want to be an Owl and the follow up SO You Want to be a Frog. She is also the Illustrator of Mabel and the Big Wide World, and A Little Bit of Hush. Jane loves making comics and teaches a weekly online comics class for adults, and is making a graphic novel inspired by her years volunteering cleaning up the river Wandle. In her spare time she plays her great-grandfather's Scottish fiddle.
Jane Porter is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator. Her titles include The Girl who Noticed Everything, Let's Get Ready for School, and So You Want to be an Owl and the follow up SO You Want to be a Frog. She is also the Illustrator of Mabel and the Big Wide World, and A Little Bit of Hush. Jane loves making comics and teaches a weekly online comics class for adults, and is making a graphic novel inspired by her years volunteering cleaning up the river Wandle. In her spare time she plays her great-grandfather's Scottish fiddle.
Eve Wersocki Morris
Eve Wersocki Morris is the author of The Bird Singer, The Wildstorm Curse, and Forest of Forbidden Magic, and has been described as “the best-kept secret in children's literature” by Lemony Snicket (A Series Of Unfortunate Events). Her middle-grade debut The Bird Singer (2022) was inspired by her Polish heritage and was nominated for the Branford Boase Award. Her new series Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed is a comedy-adventure set in 1950s London. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia aged 12, nothing could stop her literary ambitions! One of her greatest joys is showing children that being dyslexic does not mean you can’t love books and become a writer yourself.
Eve Wersocki Morris is the author of The Bird Singer, The Wildstorm Curse, and Forest of Forbidden Magic, and has been described as “the best-kept secret in children's literature” by Lemony Snicket (A Series Of Unfortunate Events). Her middle-grade debut The Bird Singer (2022) was inspired by her Polish heritage and was nominated for the Branford Boase Award. Her new series Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed is a comedy-adventure set in 1950s London. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia aged 12, nothing could stop her literary ambitions! One of her greatest joys is showing children that being dyslexic does not mean you can’t love books and become a writer yourself.
Iqbal Hussain
Iqbal has been writing for as long as he could hold a pencil. His debut middle-grade children’s novel The Night I Borrowed Time was selected as a Waterstone's Children’s Book of the Month. He often draws on his northern, working-class Pakistani heritage to tell stories about belonging, family and finding your place in the world. Iqbal's debut adult novel, Northern Boy, was published in 2024 and his short stories have appeared in print and online. Originally from Lancashire but based in London for most of his adult life, he still considers himself a Northern boy – borne out by his flattened vowels.
Iqbal has been writing for as long as he could hold a pencil. His debut middle-grade children’s novel The Night I Borrowed Time was selected as a Waterstone's Children’s Book of the Month. He often draws on his northern, working-class Pakistani heritage to tell stories about belonging, family and finding your place in the world. Iqbal's debut adult novel, Northern Boy, was published in 2024 and his short stories have appeared in print and online. Originally from Lancashire but based in London for most of his adult life, he still considers himself a Northern boy – borne out by his flattened vowels.
Lui Sit
Lui Sit's debut children’s book, Land of the Last Wildcat, was Waterstones Children’s May 2025 Book of the Month and was shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize. She is also the author of, The Lucky House Detective Agency - which she writes as Scarlett Li, and her next book, The Wildcat & the Gathering Storm, will be published in September 2026.
Lui was born in Hong Kong, grew up in Australia and now lives in London with her family and moody cat. She is happiest in a dance studio, the sea, or a library.
Lui Sit's debut children’s book, Land of the Last Wildcat, was Waterstones Children’s May 2025 Book of the Month and was shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize. She is also the author of, The Lucky House Detective Agency - which she writes as Scarlett Li, and her next book, The Wildcat & the Gathering Storm, will be published in September 2026.
Lui was born in Hong Kong, grew up in Australia and now lives in London with her family and moody cat. She is happiest in a dance studio, the sea, or a library.
Fay Evans
Fay Evans has been selling, writing and making children’s books for over a decade. Originally from South Wales, she now lives in South London and works as an editorial director at Flying Eye Books, and enjoys crafting, playing dungeons & dragons and drinking a lot of coffee in her free time.
Fay Evans has been selling, writing and making children’s books for over a decade. Originally from South Wales, she now lives in South London and works as an editorial director at Flying Eye Books, and enjoys crafting, playing dungeons & dragons and drinking a lot of coffee in her free time.
Jack Meggitt-Phillips
Jack Meggitt-Phillips is an author, scriptwriter and presenter whose work has been performed at The Roundhouse and featured on Radio 4. His bestselling debut children's series The Beast and the Bethany is translated into over 30 languages, and has had a major film deal announced.
Jack Meggitt-Phillips is an author, scriptwriter and presenter whose work has been performed at The Roundhouse and featured on Radio 4. His bestselling debut children's series The Beast and the Bethany is translated into over 30 languages, and has had a major film deal announced.
Nadine Wild-Palmer
Nadine Wild-Palmer is an author, voice artist and performer, and is always looking for new ways to bring words to life. Her debut middle-grade book, The Tunnels Below was shortlisted for The Diverse Book Awards and she is currently working on new material which she hopes to show the world at some point during 2025. In her spare time, she loves singing and playing the piano and violin with her daughters. Her favourite smells are coffee brewing and roses in bloom.
Nadine Wild-Palmer is an author, voice artist and performer, and is always looking for new ways to bring words to life. Her debut middle-grade book, The Tunnels Below was shortlisted for The Diverse Book Awards and she is currently working on new material which she hopes to show the world at some point during 2025. In her spare time, she loves singing and playing the piano and violin with her daughters. Her favourite smells are coffee brewing and roses in bloom.
Nathanael Lessore
Nathanael Lessore was born in London to French and Madagascan Parents and grew up with 7 siblings. His debut book Steady For This won the Branford Boase Award 2024 and Diverse Book Awards, and his book King of Nothing has been longlisted for the Yoto Carnegie medal for writing. Nathaniel writes stories that show his South East London childhood as the funny, warm, adventurous world that wasn't always represented as such.
Nathanael Lessore was born in London to French and Madagascan Parents and grew up with 7 siblings. His debut book Steady For This won the Branford Boase Award 2024 and Diverse Book Awards, and his book King of Nothing has been longlisted for the Yoto Carnegie medal for writing. Nathaniel writes stories that show his South East London childhood as the funny, warm, adventurous world that wasn't always represented as such.
Olivia Wakeford
Olivia Wakeford writes a lot about grief, which really means she writes about love. And dogs: she believes every story should have a dog in it! Olivia has worked in film and television, been a dog-walker, PA and more, but her favourite job is writing novels for children. Olivia can ride a unicycle (badly) and is addicted to salt and vinegar crisps. She was born in Wales and now lives in London with her husband and their socially awkward Labrador, Obi.
Olivia Wakeford writes a lot about grief, which really means she writes about love. And dogs: she believes every story should have a dog in it! Olivia has worked in film and television, been a dog-walker, PA and more, but her favourite job is writing novels for children. Olivia can ride a unicycle (badly) and is addicted to salt and vinegar crisps. She was born in Wales and now lives in London with her husband and their socially awkward Labrador, Obi.
Dudley
Learn more about the authors we support in Dudley.
Siren Knight
Siren Knight is the author of the forthcoming YA Novel Princess (Apparently). Born in Birmingham and currently living in Wolverhampton/Bilston. Siren holds an MA in creative writing and works as a GCSE tutor and English Lead. She loves reading and has been writing fiction her whole life. She has a mission to write the diverse characters that were not present in books when she was a child.
Siren Knight is the author of the forthcoming YA Novel Princess (Apparently). Born in Birmingham and currently living in Wolverhampton/Bilston. Siren holds an MA in creative writing and works as a GCSE tutor and English Lead. She loves reading and has been writing fiction her whole life. She has a mission to write the diverse characters that were not present in books when she was a child.
Poppy T. Perry
Poppy (she/her) is an author and illustrator based in the West Midlands. She collects chaos like a magpie collects shiny things, adding a playful energy key to her Young Adult storytelling. After coming out as queer Poppy found she kept being shoved back into the closet. The resulting desire to break down heteronormative worldviews and help others find the confidence to live their best life is at the heart of her work. Alongside writing and illustrating, Poppy also works as a freelance consulting artist and as an art technician at a sixth-form college, where she loves helping young creatives.
Poppy (she/her) is an author and illustrator based in the West Midlands. She collects chaos like a magpie collects shiny things, adding a playful energy key to her Young Adult storytelling. After coming out as queer Poppy found she kept being shoved back into the closet. The resulting desire to break down heteronormative worldviews and help others find the confidence to live their best life is at the heart of her work. Alongside writing and illustrating, Poppy also works as a freelance consulting artist and as an art technician at a sixth-form college, where she loves helping young creatives.
Donna David
Donna is the author of the Trains, Trains, Trains! series, three Would You Rather? picture books, and her most recent book, The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians, which celebrates the joy that every reader can experience when they find the perfectly perfect book. Donna grew up in the West Midlands in a house full of noisy siblings, fun parents, mad aunties and maggots (her dad is a fisherman). She'd often read by torch light way after bedtime and this love of reading has never left her; her aim is to share this passion with as many young people as possible.
Donna is the author of the Trains, Trains, Trains! series, three Would You Rather? picture books, and her most recent book, The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians, which celebrates the joy that every reader can experience when they find the perfectly perfect book. Donna grew up in the West Midlands in a house full of noisy siblings, fun parents, mad aunties and maggots (her dad is a fisherman). She'd often read by torch light way after bedtime and this love of reading has never left her; her aim is to share this passion with as many young people as possible.
Jesse Kaur
Jesse Kaur is the author of When Nani, When? which she first wrote in 2014, after many revisions and taking a sabbatical from her teaching job, Jesse had time to stand and stare (out of her window) at the cherry tree in her garden, and turned the story she'd written into a picture book. The story was finally published in 2023. When not writing, Jesse works as a cover teacher in a secondary school in her home town, Dudley.
Jesse Kaur is the author of When Nani, When? which she first wrote in 2014, after many revisions and taking a sabbatical from her teaching job, Jesse had time to stand and stare (out of her window) at the cherry tree in her garden, and turned the story she'd written into a picture book. The story was finally published in 2023. When not writing, Jesse works as a cover teacher in a secondary school in her home town, Dudley.
Online Authors
Learn more about the authors we support with our online offer.
Shireen Lalji
Shireen has always loved writing stories, often gifting them to family as a child. They were usually about good witches, naughty fairies or helpful dragons and featured characters that looked like her, after questioning why the characters she read about did not. Shireen's stories continue these themes, and her debut picture book So Devin Wore a Skirt was published in 2025. Alongside writing children's books, Shireen is an Early Reading and Literacy Specialist, a Librarian and a teacher, whose favourite part of the school day is always storytime. She lives in London with her two teenagers, partner, and her bunny rabbit.
Shireen has always loved writing stories, often gifting them to family as a child. They were usually about good witches, naughty fairies or helpful dragons and featured characters that looked like her, after questioning why the characters she read about did not. Shireen's stories continue these themes, and her debut picture book So Devin Wore a Skirt was published in 2025. Alongside writing children's books, Shireen is an Early Reading and Literacy Specialist, a Librarian and a teacher, whose favourite part of the school day is always storytime. She lives in London with her two teenagers, partner, and her bunny rabbit.
Alexandra Sheppard
Alexandra Sheppard is a children's author from London, UK. Her debut YA novel 'Oh My Gods' was published by Scholastic and featured in Buzzfeed, Refinery29 and The Guardian's Summer Reading List. Her second YA novel ‘Friendship Never Ends’ was longlisted for The Jhalak Prize 2024 and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2024. Her debut middle grade novel ‘Alyssa & The Spell Garden’ was published by Faber in 2024, followed by the sequel ‘Alyssa & The Enchanted Forest’ in 2025.
Alexandra Sheppard is a children's author from London, UK. Her debut YA novel 'Oh My Gods' was published by Scholastic and featured in Buzzfeed, Refinery29 and The Guardian's Summer Reading List. Her second YA novel ‘Friendship Never Ends’ was longlisted for The Jhalak Prize 2024 and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2024. Her debut middle grade novel ‘Alyssa & The Spell Garden’ was published by Faber in 2024, followed by the sequel ‘Alyssa & The Enchanted Forest’ in 2025.
Jonathan Sellars
Jonathan Sellars is an award-winning poet and author who lives in Greenwich. His poems have been published around the world and his picture book, POLLY PLUM: BRAVE ADVENTURER, sits proudly upon many a shelf. He loves humour and rhyme, but more than anything he values the fun that can be had with words, whatever way you choose to align them.
Jonathan Sellars is an award-winning poet and author who lives in Greenwich. His poems have been published around the world and his picture book, POLLY PLUM: BRAVE ADVENTURER, sits proudly upon many a shelf. He loves humour and rhyme, but more than anything he values the fun that can be had with words, whatever way you choose to align them.
Mireille Harper
Mireille Harper is the author of Timelines from Black History (Dorling Kindersley) which has sold over 50,000 copies since its publication in 2020. She is working on a forthcoming children's history book, due for publication with Nosy Crow in 2027. By day, Mireille is Editorial Director of Tonic, an imprint of Bloomsbury, where she publishes wellbeing non-fiction books, and resides in Bromley.
Image credit: Francis Augusto
Mireille Harper is the author of Timelines from Black History (Dorling Kindersley) which has sold over 50,000 copies since its publication in 2020. She is working on a forthcoming children's history book, due for publication with Nosy Crow in 2027. By day, Mireille is Editorial Director of Tonic, an imprint of Bloomsbury, where she publishes wellbeing non-fiction books, and resides in Bromley.
Image credit: Francis Augusto
Natascha Biebow
Natascha Biebow, MBE, is the author of The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons, winner of the Irma Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature. Her favourite crayon colour is periwinkle blue, and she is passionate about picture books and true stories. Natascha is an experienced children's book editor, coach and mentor at Blue Elephant Storyshaping, Editorial Director at Five Quills, and co-chair of SCBWI British Isles, she resides in Bromley.
Natascha Biebow, MBE, is the author of The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons, winner of the Irma Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature. Her favourite crayon colour is periwinkle blue, and she is passionate about picture books and true stories. Natascha is an experienced children's book editor, coach and mentor at Blue Elephant Storyshaping, Editorial Director at Five Quills, and co-chair of SCBWI British Isles, she resides in Bromley.
Explore our supported authors' work
Mia and the lightcasters
McCurdy, Janelle, author.
Marv and the mega robot
Falase-Koya, Alex, author.
Marv and the pool of peril
Falase-Koya, Alex, author.
Mia and the traitor of Nubis
McCurdy, Janelle, author.
Ella, queen of jazz
Hancocks, Helen, author, artist.
Revenge of the beast
Meggitt-Phillips, Jack, author.
Steady for this
Lessore, Nathanael, author.
The beast and the Bethany
Meggitt-Phillips, Jack, author.
Battle of the beast
Meggitt-Phillips, Jack, author.
Do lions hate haircuts?
Walker, Bethany, author.
Olly Brown, god of hamsters
Walker, Bethany, author.
William & the missing masterpiece
Hancocks, Helen.
Chocolate milk, x-ray specs & me!
Walker, Bethany, author.
Small!
Moffatt, Hannah, author.
Why do we wear clothes
Hancocks, Helen, author.
The queen next door
Ferreira, Marcela, author.
The tunnels below
Wild-Palmer, Nadine, author.
How to steal the Mona Lisa
Walker, Bethany, author.
Marv and the dino attack
Falase-Koya, Alex, author.
Marv and the Blizzard Zone
Falase-Koya, Alex, author.
Marv and the killer plants
Falase-Koya, Alex, author.
Small bites back: how to deal with vampires, werewolves and tooth fairies
Moffatt, Hannah, author.
William heads to Hollywood
Hancocks, Helen, author, artist.
Mr Shaha's recipes for wonder: adventures in science round the kitchen table
Shaha, Alom.
Mr Shaha's marvellous machines: adventures in making round the kitchen table
Shaha, Alom, author.
The cello
Auld, Mary, author.
The flute
Auld, Mary, author.
These stolen lives
Keats, Sharada, author.
Penguin in peril
Hancocks, Helen.
Drums and percussion
Auld, Mary, author.
How to find a rainbow
Shaha, Alom, author.
The treasure
Ferreira, Marcela.
Child of the beast
Meggitt-Phillips, Jack.
Masterpieces in pieces
Swenson, Ingrid (Curator), author.
The violin
Auld, Mary, author.
Little, brown nut
Auld, Mary, author.
The crayon man: the true story of the invention of Crayola crayons
Biebow, Natascha, author.
King of nothing
Lessore, Nathanael, author.
The final feast
Meggitt-Phillips, Jack, author.
Oh yes I am!
G, Mama, author.
Marv and the alien invasion
Falase-Koya, Alex, author.
Mia and the secrets of Lunis
McCurdy, Janelle, author.
Bear vs Dragon
Ferreira, Marcela, author.
Destiny Ink: Sleepover surprise
Sokunbi, Adeola, author.
Talent show magic
Sokunbi, Adeola, author, illustrator.
How to build an orchestra
Auld, Mary, author.
My dog
Wakeford, Olivia, author.
I really want to be a cat
Hancocks, Helen, author, artist.
Light
Auld, Mary, author.
Electricity
Auld, Mary, author.
Fluffy, flying seed
Auld, Mary, author.
Tiny, floating coral: A fact-filled picture book about the life cycle of coral, with fold-out map of the world’s coral reefs (ages 4-8)
Auld, Mary, author.
Small speckled egg: A fact-filled picture book about the life cycle of a bird, with fold-out migration map of the world (ages 4-8)
Auld, Mary, author.
The laugh
Evans, Fay, author.
When Nani, When? Polish and English
Kaur, Jesse.
The Science Club investigates sound
Auld, Mary, author.
The Science Club investigates habitats
Auld, Mary, author.
The Poetical Institute's peculiar powers of vegetables and fruit
Keats, Sharada, author.
How we support our authors
The GLL Literary Foundation awards up to 20 annual placements to select authors that meet the eligibility criteria and who reside in the areas where we operate public libraries: Bromley, Greenwich, Wandsworth, Dudley, and Lincolnshire.
These placements offer:
- A bursary of £750.
- Support and guidance from a local librarian mentor.
- Networking opportunities with local booksellers, publishers, literary festivals, schools and the local community.
- Support, guidance, and a toolkit for developing and delivering author events, helping build their confidence when engaging with a range of audiences.
- Three author events to practice their learning hosted in their local libraries, one with local schools, one with the public, and one online.
- On-demand training sessions available for the duration of the programme with the libraries Start Up team covering Brand Identity, Marketing and Business Planning.
- Access to library business lounges, so that they can work in a supportive environment.
- Attendance at two annual events to bring all of the authors together with national and sector partners, proving opportunities to network with sponsors of the programme and the Foundation.
The GLL Literary Foundation also offers an unlimited number of online author placements to authors who meet the eligibility criteria and who reside in the areas where we operate public libraries, but who are not selected for one of the 20 bursary supported placements.
These placements offer:
- On-demand training events accessible online at any time for the duration of the programme including:
- A webinar with a Librarian Mentor on delivering successful author events.
- Brand Identity.
- Marketing.
- Business Planning. - An invitation to a sector networking event.
- Access to work from our Library Business Lounges.
Our Patron, Joseph Coelho OBE, FRSL, Hon FCLIP
“Becoming established as a children’s author is extremely challenging, it takes so much more than just writing a fantastic book. This new Foundation will help authors promote their work and provide essential training and ongoing support. Libraries are very close to my heart and have played an important role in my journey as an author. I’m therefore delighted to support the GLL Literary Foundation.”
We’re honoured to introduce Joseph Coelho, award-winning performance poet, playwright, children's author, and 2022-2024 Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate, as the GLL Literary Foundation’s Patron.
Joseph grew up in Roehampton, and his first job was as a library assistant for Wandsworth Libraries. His work includes critically acclaimed picture books ‘Luna Loves Library Day’, and ‘If All the World Were’, poetry collections ‘Overheard in a Tower Block’ and 'Smile Out Loud’, and books for older readers ‘The Girl Who Became a Tree’ and ‘The Boy Lost in the Maze’. His work has been awarded the CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award 2015 and the Independent Bookshop Week Book Award 2019, and has been shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and UKLA Book Awards. In 2024 Joseph also won the Carnegie Medal for Writing.
Joseph’s work has poetry and performance at its heart, and aims to inspire young people through stories and characters they can recognise. Throughout his career he has highlighted the power of poetry and reading, championing and campaigning for local libraries and spotlights new voices and diversity throughout his work.
Nominate an author
Thank you for your interest in the GLL Literary Foundation.
Nominations for support in 2026 have now closed.
Successful candidates will be notified over the coming weeks, and announced in February.
Nominations for support in 2026 have now closed.
Successful candidates will be notified over the coming weeks, and announced in February.
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